Management of files sent to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) 277-09180030
This document outlines the process for preparing and despatching a file to the ART when a:
- request for a review of a Child Support objection
- extension of time decision has been made
On this page:
File allocated to Service Officer
Redact parts of relevant documents
File allocated to Service Officer
Table 1: this table describes the steps when allocating an ART file.
Step |
Action |
1 |
Service Officer is allocated ART file + Read more ... The Service Officer allocated the ART file to build needs to: Update Database Update to show the holding position of which AST Officer is building the file and their location.
Document in Cuba Document the holding position and location of the AST Officer who is building the ART file. Notepad subject: File preparation in progress Notepad body: File being prepared by [insert first name] in [insert site]. Note: if the matter is a care appeal and cannot be loaded into the SSAT Maintenance window due to a known system error, continue the existing documentation in the Communications window. All future notes relating to this appeal, which would normally be added to the SSAT Maintenance window, are to be added to this notepad. If a customer to the appeal has an invalid address on Cuba, undertake tracing activities. If the address listed on the appeal application is different to that listed in Cuba, and the Tribunal or customer have not confirmed this is the correct postal address for service of appeal documents, call the customer to confirm. After confirming, update their details. |
2 |
Review objections decision + Read more ... To help create and compile the ART file, read the Objection Statement of Reasons report. This will allow a full understanding of the decision under review, the information used or considered by the decision maker and documents required. Note: the final ART file must be sent to the ART within 28 days of the date of the 'Request for statement' or any shorter timeframes as specified by the ART. If there is a problem with the Objection Decision or are other issues regarding case management or customer service, see Table 5. |
3 |
Family and domestic violence + Read more ... Check the case for information regarding family and domestic violence, including:
See Family and domestic violence. In some cases, information that relates to family and domestic violence, or that is otherwise inflammatory, may be relevant to the appeal. Where appropriate, consider whether there are grounds to seek a non-disclosure order. Note: the AST Mailbox will have advised the ART at time of appeal lodgement if there was a family and domestic violence indicator on a Cuba record. This will also be recorded on the database. At any later stage, if new information about family and domestic violence becomes available see Table 5. |
4 |
Create initial file + Read more ... Create the initial File which will form the basis of the final ART file. This must include:
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Collate relevant documents
Table 2: this table describes the process for collating and preparing relevant documents to the ART file.
Step |
Action |
1 |
Documents to be included in the ART file + Read more ... Every file has consistent Cuba screens, notepads, letters and documents that need to be included. These are a minimum requirement, include additional items if deemed to be relevant. See File preparation – All ART Appeal Files. All files must include the:
Note: only include contact/developments relevant to the issue which the ART is considering. There are also a handful of file specific Cuba screens, notepads, letters and documents to be included in addition to the standard depending on the type of decision being appealed. |
2 |
Relevance + Read more ... The agency’s obligation is to provide all relevant documents. As a guide, this means all documents, the original decision maker used, or could have used, to inform the decision being reviewed. The role of the staff member creating the ART file is to decide what documents, or parts of documents, are relevant. Producing irrelevant documents to the ART may breach the secrecy provisions of the child support law. For help making relevance decision see Relevance support document. |
3 |
Review objection file + Read more ... Read the Statement of Reasons report to identify the decision under review and the information used or considered by the decision maker. Any evidence or document listed in the Statement of Reasons must be included in the file. Review HPE Content Manager for:
If the information relevant to the decision under review is a paper record in storage, see Step 6 |
4 |
Review Cuba records + Read more ... Use the relevant File preparation – specific appeal types to make sure all relevant information is identified. Review Cuba records to identify any other relevant information. Print the following and add to the initial file:
Where it is necessary to establish whether a customer made contact, include a copy of the Customer Receipt Number window in the file. Check the Feedback and Review activity (Complaints) and the CSA online Account windows for any relevant documents. If the information relevant to the decision under review is a paper record in storage, see Step 6. |
5 |
AUSTRAC records + Read more ... AUSTRAC - Suspicious Matter Reports (SMR) must not be included in any ART file. They cannot be disclosed to any court or tribunal and are not admissible as evidence. If there is a reference to any AUSTRAC material within the decision subject to the appeal, escalate to a Service Support Officer (SSO). The SSO must review AUSTRAC search results to make sure they do not contain an SMR/SUSTR – these must not be recorded in the system. If a record needs to be removed, take immediate action by sending an email the National ICS mailbox. Full details regarding AUSTRAC disclosure of information can be found on the Resources page. |
6 |
Retrieve records from batchfiling + Read more ... If applicable gather documents from batchfiling by completing the Create, Transfer or Retrieve a Corporate File webform in mySupport.
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7 |
Translation of documents + Read more ... A customer may send in documents that are in a foreign language which may be relevant to the appeal. Check Cuba to see if a translated copy has already been requested and received. If a translated copy cannot be located make a translation request as soon as possible. See Translation of documents. Record what documents have requested to be translated in the appeal record. Record when translated documents are received and send a copy to Cuba. |
8 |
Organise file + Read more ... The documents are saved electronically in the AST shared drive using the agreed naming convention. This is to make sure that when the files are combined into a single PDF document they will be in the correct order. The agreed correct order for files lodged with the ART as at 1 July 2015, see Order of file content in File Preparation - all ART Appeal Files. |
9 |
Documentation + Read more ... As a general rule it will not be necessary for staff to document in Cuba what information has been included in the ART file. However, if Service Officer decides that certain information is relevant where it would ordinarily not be considered relevant (e.g., documents not listed at Step 1), they must outline the reason for including the information on the Exit Document. |
Redact parts of relevant documents
Table 3: this table describes the process for applying redactions to documents.
Step |
Action |
1 |
Prepare file for redaction + Read more ... Consider the Preparing documents for disclosure to the Administrative Review Tribunal and identify if there is any information that is relevant to the review of the decision, but which may require redaction. See Table 5 for more information. |
2 |
Relevance + Read more ... The agency’s obligation is to provide all relevant documents. As a guide, this means all documents, the original decision maker used, or could have used, to inform the decision being reviewed. Exclude documents, and parts of documents, which are clearly irrelevant to, or could have no reasonable bearing on, the decision to be made. Only redact the irrelevant part of a document if redacting will not destroy or make the balance of the document misleading. In general, the following standard confidential information should be redacted or removed from the file:
The role of the staff member creating the ART file is to decide what documents, or parts of documents, are relevant. Producing irrelevant documents, or parts of documents to the ART may breach the secrecy provisions of the child support law. For help making relevance decision see Relevance support document. |
3 |
Mark redactions on file + Read more ... Use Adobe to mark parts of the documents that are not relevant, for redaction. See Building a file using Adobe Professional X1. The final ART file is the file that will be sent to the ART and parties to the review. It is edited and reviewed to make sure all relevant documents are included, and irrelevant and sensitive information has been removed (where appropriate). The Service Officer will check the final file/documents for information that needs to be redacted. To prevent a privacy breach, make sure all personal information has been removed or considered for exception handling, including:
For help on irrelevant information that needs redacting, see Relevance support document. Once the file is completed the Service Officer must review the file to make sure:
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4 |
Documentation + Read more ... As a general rule it will not be necessary for staff to document in Cuba what information has been included in the ART file. However, if Service Officer decides that certain information is relevant where it would ordinarily not be considered relevant (e.g., documents not listed in File preparation – All ART Files), they must outline the reason for including the information on the Exit Document. |
Finalise file build process
Table 4: this table describes the process of finalising the file build.
Step |
Action |
1 |
Full file check (Service Officer) + Read more ... Complete a check on the final ART file by:
If additional documents or information is considered relevant beyond those normally required as listed in File preparation – specific appeal types, document the reason consider the additional document relevant and why they are included. Document in Cuba Document the holding position and location of the AST Officer who is building the ART file. Notepad subject: File build completed. Notepad body: File build completed by [insert first name] in [insert site]. Update Database Update the database to show which AST Officer completed the file build. In the File Building section:
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2 |
Secondary checking + Read more ... Escalate appeals that are deemed to be high risk to an SSO for a secondary A high risk customer/case can be identified by the following:
Note: a Service Officer may send a file for secondary check that has unusual circumstances and does not meet the above requirements, in consultation with their SSO/Team Leader. A Team Leader may also determine a Service Officer’s file needs to be secondary checked while building proficiency. If the Service Officer has found reason why a secondary check is not required for a particular case, this needs to be identified on the ART Exit Check Request. An SSO may determine a secondary check is not required and will leave a note in Cuba explaining the decision, otherwise they will complete the secondary check. Update the database and document in Cuba the need for a secondary check. Is a secondary check required?
Update database Update to show which AST Officer completed the build. In the Secondary Checking section:
Document in Cuba Update to reflect no secondary check required, the AST Officer that completed the build, location and date. Notepad subject: File build complete - No Secondary Check required Notepad body: File build has been completed and placed in National Workload Allocation - Lodgement folder |
3 |
Secondary check required + Read more ... Place the file and Exit document in the National Workload Allocation – Checking folder. Document in Cuba Update to reflect secondary check required, the AST Officer that completed the build, location and date. Notepad subject: File build complete Notepad body: Secondary Check Required. |
4 |
Secondary Checks (SSO) + Read more ... Complete a check on the final ART file by:
Using Verint complete the transactional quality check for the AST Secondary Check. Answer all relevant questions in the form and make sure a copy is supplied to both the Service Officer and the Team Leader. If the file needs extra work or a complete rebuild return it to the Service Officer and inform the Team Leader. Note: if a non-disclosure application is required, see Table 5. Update Database Secondary check allocated, update to show the holding position of the AST SSO conducting the secondary check and their location.
Secondary check completed, update to show the secondary check is complete: In the Secondary Checking section:
Document in Cuba Secondary check allocated, add a document to show the AST SSO conducting secondary check and their location:
Secondary check completed, add a document to reflect the check is complete:
If additional documents or information is considered relevant beyond those normally required as listed in File preparation – specific appeal types, document the reason consider the additional document relevant and why they are included. |
5 |
Complete final ART file + Read more ... Apply redactions to the file using Adobe. Complete a final check of the file after saving and re-opening to make sure redaction have applied correctly. Apply page numbers to the file using Adobe using:
After completing the relevant checks, the Service Officer/SSO places the appeal and exit document in the Lodgement Folder of the National Workload Allocation folder in the shared drive ready for lodgement. Documents still being considered under a non-disclosure application must not be included in the file. If the ART direct document to be fully or partially disclosed, these documents will be sent as per the directions of the non-disclosure decision, at a later date with successive pagination. |
Exception handling
Table 5: this table describes the process for identifying case where additional action is required to be taken.
Step |
Action |
1 |
Exception handling + Read more ... Exception handling is the process of identifying cases that need additional actions to be taken outside of the routine ART review process. The action required will fall into the following categories:
The above list is a guide only. If a Service Officer is unsure whether exception handling is required, seek advice from an SSO or Team Leader. |
2 |
Information relating to an Ombudsman or Ministerial investigation + Read more ... Documents relating to an Ombudsman or Ministerial investigation should not be included in the ART file unless it is directly related to the decision under review. In these situations, if the Service Officer considers that information relating to an Ombudsman or Ministerial investigation is relevant to the review, they should first consult with the SSO/Team Leader. The SSO/Team Leader will contact External Complaints via their mailbox to advise the information may be sent to the ART and both parties. External Complaints will liaise with relevant stakeholders to determine if a non-disclosure application should be lodged with the ART due to the sensitivity of the information. |
3 |
Problem with the objection decision or other issues + Read more ... Service Officers who identify a problem with the objection decision, or issues regarding case management or customer service need discuss these with their SSO/Team Leader as soon as possible to discuss the best resolution. Resolution may include:
If correcting an error on the case will affect the decision under review, the ART will need to be notified of the outcome and changes. |
4 |
Family and Domestic Violence + Read more ... The AST Mailbox will have advised the ART at time of appeal lodgement if there was a family and domestic violence indicator on a Cuba record. This will also be recorded on the database. At any later stage, if new information about family and domestic violence becomes available, it can be provided to the ART if:
In this instance the AST Service Officer must escalate the matter to their SSO or Team Leader. For more information on family and domestic violence see: |
5 |
Single Touch Payroll (STP) Information + Read more ... STP information cannot be used to make decisions affecting a customer’s eligibility or entitlement without a secondary confirmation source. If an objection decision references STP, or there is STP data stored in Cuba or other records that may be relevant, consult an SSO or Team Leader. |
6 |
Identify if non-disclosure application necessary (Service Officer) + Read more ... If the Service Officer thinks personal, sensitive or confidential information may be relevant to the review, they must discuss this with an SSO. The SSO needs to consider whether a non-disclosure application is needed. E.g., a customer’s address may help the tribunal make a decision about the care of the child or the fact that a parent was not notified of a certain decision. Consider the Guidelines for the preparation of documents to the ART. Determine what action is potentially necessary regarding the documents identified for a non-disclosure application. If there is sensitive information that is relevant (including information relating to ombudsman or ministerial investigation), the Service Officer:
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7 |
Non-disclosure application request considered (SSO) + Read more ... The SSO will consider whether a non-disclosure application is needed. The SSO will determine if contact with the customer is required to explain the process of disclosing documents during the ART process or consultation with the customer is otherwise needed. The SSO will assess the Service Officer’s exception handling request within 72 hours of allocation of the file and determine if a non-disclosure application is appropriate. The SSO may seek advice from a Program Support Manager (PSM). Note: if a document has already been exchanged with the other party, this may negate the need for a non-disclosure request. The SSO should seek advice from a PSM is there is any uncertainty. The SSO will advise the Service Officer of the outcome and note their decision in the exit sheet. Is a non-disclosure application needed?
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8 |
Non-disclosure application (SSO) + Read more ... The SSO will determine if the information is both 'relevant' and 'sensitive' and they will make a non-disclosure application. The SSO will:
Note: do not send any part of the non-disclosure application or copies of the documents which are the subject of the application to the customers. Update database Update to reflect the application for non-disclosure is proceeding and which document type it is applicable to.
Document in Cuba Create a document in Cuba to reflect that a non-disclosure application has been made. Notepad subject: Non-Disclosure App Submitted Notepad body: s23 Application Application for Non-Disclosure under section 23 sent to the ART via BlueZone on [insert date] @ [insert time] Bluezone: [insert number of pages] on [insert date] at [insert time] Saved in HPE Content Manager as: [insert appeal number] – [insert appeal number] CSA [insert case number] ([insert date- YYYYMMDD insert action]) Examples for HPE Content Manager 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230710 Application) 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 – (20230710 Marked for redaction) |
9 |
ART advise outcome of the non-disclosure application + Read more ... The ART will consider the application and email a direction to Child Support. The ART can make a direction of:
The AST mailbox administrator will:
Select the disclosure direction provided. Full or partial disclosure directions + Read more ... The SSO will:
Update database Update to reflect the 37(1AF) non-disclosure outcome From the 37(1AF) Application section fill in the following fields:
Document in Cuba Update to reflect the 37(1AF) non-disclosure outcome. Notepad subject: 37(1AF) Non-Disclosure Outcome Notepad body: Full disclosure or Partial disclosure. A copy of this decision can be found in view correspondence. Partial/full disclosure outcome: 37(1AF) Non-Disclosure has been finalised and sent to the ART via BlueZone on (insert date) @ (insert time) Bluezone: [insert number of pages] on [insert date] at [insert time] Saved in HPE Content Manager as: [insert appeal number] – [insert appeal number] CSA [insert case number] ([insert date- YYYYMMDD insert action]) Examples for HPE Content Manager 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230720 ART Direction) 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230726 Direction Actioned) 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230726 Marked for redaction) Non-disclosure directions + Read more ... The SSO will: Update database Update to reflect the 37(1AF) non-disclosure outcome From the 37(1AF) Application section fill in the following fields:
Document in Cuba Update to reflect the 37(1AF) non-disclosure outcome. Notepad subject: 37(1AF) Non-Disclosure Outcome Notepad body: Non-disclosure direction received. A copy of this decision can be found in view correspondence. No documents release to the customer as per direction. Examples for HPE Content Manager 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230720 ART Direction) 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230726 Direction Actioned) 2021AB012345 - 2021-AB012345_CSA_12121212 (20230726 Marked for redaction) |
10 |
Exception handling not needed + Read more ... The SSO will:
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Despatch file
Table 6: this table describes the steps to send the final ART file to the ART and copies to the parties involved in the review.
Step |
Action |
1 |
Preparing the file for despatch to the customer(s) + Read more ... Create letters Prepare the covering letter to the applicant (MX19-1). If there is a respondent to the ART review, prepare the covering letter to the respondent (MX20-1). These will print locally. See Letters Cuba Process Help. Issue letters and file to customer(s)
Send the files Registered Mail. These files must be double enveloped. Note: if the customer is RACS level 1, 2 or 3, check with the case manager or owning team to confirm mailing arrangements. If either parent is on tracing or if the file is returned unclaimed, notify the ART by email and undertake customer location activities. Document any tracing action taken in Cuba. |
2 |
Submit final ART file to the ART + Read more ... The final ART file is submitted to the tribunal via Bluezone (FTP server). Prepare the 37(1) Statements and Documents coversheet and save it in PDF format. Save the coversheet as the first document in the bundle to be submitted to the ART. The ART file must be submitted to the ART via Bluezone within 28 days of the ‘Request for statement’ being received or any other timeframe specified by the ART. Save the file to HPE Content Manager. After updating the database and documenting in Cuba, no further action is required until notification of the scheduled hearing date is received from the ART. Update Database Update to reflect the AST Officer who completed the lodgement. In the Lodgement officer section:
Document in Cuba Cuba updated to reflect each stage:
Bluezone
Customer copies posted
ART s23 Customer copies sent via Registered Post. Applicant: [Name] Post tracking number: [Tracking Number] Respondent: [Name] Post tracking number: [Tracking Number] Electronic record location
Redacted and paginated file relating to this case lodged and saved to HPE: HPE: 2022xx22 - 2022-MC02xx22_CSA_335 Page numbering
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3 |
Returned mail + Read more ... If delivery of documents has been unsuccessful, they will be returned to the Appeals Support Team. On receipt of returned documents check if the ART decision has been made. Has the ART decision been made?
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4 |
Returned mail – ART decision not made + Read more ... Advise the ART Advise the ART the details of the documents that have been returned including:
Store Documents Store document in a secure location. Document on Cuba Document in the Appeal record that the documents have been returned. ART Advise of new postal address The ART may advise of a new address to send documents to. Do not update Cuba with this address.
ART cannot provide new address If the ART is unsuccessful in obtaining a new address, attempt to contact the customer to update their address. If customer contact is not successful and the address in Cuba is Invalid, undertake tracing activities. |